Chiemela-Uju Paris Ude is an emerging football talent, hailing from Loughton, Essex. At just 16, she has already made her mark as a promising goalkeeper for Arsenal’s U-16 team, while also being registered for the U-21 squad.
Known to fans as Chi-Chi, her football journey began at the age of eight, playing in her home garden alongside her siblings. Inspired by her two older brothers, Chiemela initially played as an attacking midfielder before transitioning to goalkeeper when her team needed someone to fill the role.
Chiemela’s talent quickly shone through, catching the attention of Millwall Academy by the age of 10, where she made significant strides in her development. Her early career highlights include helping her team secure a 3rd place finish at the 2019 Warwickshire Competition and leading Millwall to win the 2021 JPL League Warriors. In 2021, she signed with Arsenal FC Academy, where she has continued to develop her skills, contributing to the team’s success, including winning the 2023 JPL League Warriors Cup.
Complementing her club success, Chiemela has also gained international recognition. Recently, she debuted for England’s youth team, donning the number 13 jersey and helping secure a remarkable 7-0 victory against the Faroe Islands during a UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship qualifier. With her Nigerian heritage, she is also eligible to represent the Nigerian national team, giving her a unique opportunity to navigate between the English FA and Nigeria Football Federation.
Beyond the pitch, Chiemela is a multi-talented athlete, excelling in rugby, netball, and javelin.
She also enjoys expressing her creativity through fashion and art, sharing glimpses of her personal life with fans on social media.
With accolades such as the 2020 Sports Woman of the Year, 2022 Sports Award for Essex County, JPL Warriors PGA 2024 Player of the Tournament; Chiemela is poised to become a standout figure in women’s football.